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Human Resources » Paraeducators

Paraeducators

Become a Paraeducator in West Valley School District!
 
What is a paraeducator?
 

Paraeducators are school employees who work alongside and/or under the direction of a licensed or certificated educator to support and assist in providing instructional and non-instructional services to children, youth, and their families. Also known as paraprofessionals, teacher aides, teaching assistants, and other titles, paraeducators are integral members of the instructional team.

Law requires paraprofessionals serving in an instructional capacity to meet one of the following requirements:

  • Hold an associate’s degree or higher, OR
  • Have at least two (2) years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution, OR
  • Successfully pass the ETS ParaPro Assessment test.
Resources for ETS Test Takers
 
Preparing for the ETS test
 
Applicants seeking employment as instructional paraeducators who do not have an associate's degree or higher will have to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment test. In an effort to make the testing experience go successfully and smoothly, we’ve provided the following tips and helpful study information:
 
For information about the test, visit the ETS Test website. It includes online tutorials, sample questions, and navigation information to help you familiarize yourself with the test.  
 
Visit the ESD 101 Para Pro Assessments page for information on test prep and other useful information.
 
Helpful websites for test preparation
 

If you find you are in need of further study of a particular concept, try one of the interactive online websites listed below.  Many of them have games and helpful quizzes to assist learning in a different way. 

  1. MySchoolHouse Courses — covers all subjects at different levels
  2. FunBrain Grammar — Play fun and colorful games while learning concepts
  3. CliffsNotes GED Test Prep — The Test Prep tab has sample GED tests
  4. Math Practice — includes help with basic math through advanced topics
Paraeducators Frequently Asked Questions
 
You will need to submit unofficial transcripts for all colleges/universities attended to show an AA degree or higher.
Human Resources must physically see an unaltered official score report for auditing purposes. Human Resources will make copies of the results. The copies will be maintained in your application file and the originals will be returned to you.
ESD101 (Educational Service District 101) proctors testing monthly/bi-monthly locally in Spokane.  Visit their website for information. You should anticipate the testing process will take a total of 3 hours. There will be about 30 minutes for check-in and instructions and 2.5 hours for the test. Upon exiting the test a printed unofficial copy will be provided for you to take home. Official copies will be mailed to your home within two to three weeks.
A 28-day waiting period is required to repeat the test. You may review study guides and access the ETS website for helpful test information. You will be required to pay the fee to test again.
The fee to take the ETS test is $75.00 and payment information is provided on the ESD101 website.
 If you don't find the answers below, contact us at [email protected] or call (509) 924-2150.